The popularity of self-tanning products is surging, showing that Americans are becoming aware of the dangers of tanning. They're putting their money where their skin is.

The best tanning lotions provide a natural golden tan and have a main active ingredient, which is either dihydroxyacetone DHA, or Lawson a chemical compound derivative from leaves of Lawsonia inermis. The way DHA works is already known; it reacts with proteins from skin cells and provides an instantaneous and long lasting tan. Unlike DHA, Lawson doesn't interfere with the skin.

A good quality sunless tanning lotion can provide all the benefits of lying in the sun all day, without the danger of skin damage. Skin damage is a major concern today, and scientific evidence continues to mount regarding the damaging effects of too much sun exposure. This is where sunless tanning lotion comes in handy. The main benefit of a sunless tanning lotion is that it can bronze the skin without exposure to the damaging UVA or UVB rays you would normally be exposed to by regular tanning.

One of the most frequent complaints regarding sunless tanning lotion is the tendency to streak and spot. Even though this was a major problem when sunless tanning lotion first hit the market, today's varieties of sunless tanners do a much better job, with much less streaking than those made a few years ago.

The best and most advanced sunless tanning lotion is non-greasy and long-lasting. And it is not necessarily a cheap tanning lotion. Keep the tan longer is a must for many tanners. Such is the case with DHA self tanning lotions. In just 24 hours the skin will produce its own natural tan which can't be washed up or removed with a self tanning wipe. Nevertheless, many tanners prefer instantaneous Lawson self tanning lotions because there is no suspicion of staining clothes, the couch or their houses.

There are many different types of sunless tanning lotions on the market. Just about every cosmetic manufacturer makes their own sunless tanning lotion, and a variety of sunless tanning products are available on the Internet as well. No matter who the manufacturer is, sunless tanning lotion works in the same way.

Sunless tanning lotions come in light, medium, and dark tones. People with dry skin can buy brands with emollients or humectants added for softness and moisture, while people with oily skin may find that gel or alcohol-based products work better. And recently, ingredients such as vitamins, herbal extracts, antioxidants, and alpha-hydroxy acids are being added to some products in an effort to expand their benefits.

Getting the Tan you want from a Sunless Tanning Lotion.
Many shoppers like to consult with friends and family when shopping for a great sunless tanning lotion. While this is always a good idea, it is also important to remember that the sunless tanning lotion that works perfectly for your best friend may leave you looking orange and streaky. This is due to the natural variations in skin types, and it may take some shopping around, and some trial and error, before you find the sunless tanning lotion that is perfect for you.

It is also important to take sun protection into account when using a sunless tanning lotion. Many people think that sun protection is not needed with sunless tanning products, but this is not the case. And while most brands of sunless tanning lotion have some sort of sunscreen built in, it is generally not sufficient protection. It is important to use a good quality sunscreen with a high SPF factor, even when using a sunless tanning lotion. Use sunscreen the same way you would if you did not have a tan.

A sunless tanning lotion can be used repeatedly to create a wonderful bronze look. Repeated application of most sunless tanning products will darken the skin and give you the look you want without the risk to your skin and your health.